Successful First Wheel Build: A Great Feeling
09-07-12 | 08:23 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Saving gas on my commute
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
Successful First Wheel Build: A Great Feeling
I successfully built my first wheel today. It's a good feeling to successfully complete my first wheel lacing. I built a 3 speed wheel for my drop bar commuter bike, using a 700c Sun CR18, Sturmey Archer SRF3, and basic Wheelsmith spokes. The Sturmey hub made things easy, as it allowed for a symmetrical build. It took me a few hours to get things just right. I had my laptop close by, with Sheldon Brown's wheelbuilding page at the ready.
I was thankful for the wheelbuilding advice I found here on the forums.
I was thankful for the wheelbuilding advice I found here on the forums.
09-07-12 | 08:25 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,518
Likes: 40
From: San Jose, California
Bikes: 2001 Tommasini Sintesi w/ Campagnolo Daytona 10 Speed
Good!
Now start making a living!
=8-)
Now start making a living!
=8-)
__________________
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
5000+ wheels built since 1984...
Disclaimer:
1. I do not claim to be an expert in bicycle mechanics despite my experience.
2. I like anyone will comment in other areas.
3. I do not own the preexisting concepts of DISH and ERD.
4. I will provide information as I always have to others that I believe will help them protect themselves from unscrupulous mechanics.
5. My all time favorite book is:
Kahane, Howard. Logic and Contemporary Rhetoric: The Use of Reason in Everyday Life
09-07-12 | 08:42 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 46
From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac
Anytime you realize you can do something yourself is a great feeling. I've built a handful of wheels in my time, only for my own use, and accepted small imperfections. But a couple weeks ago I loosened and re-tensioned a rear wheel and got it perfect.
It's also nice to realize that those things an auto shop offers to replace can be easily done yourself. Like when they charge $25 + $40 labor to replace a fuel filter, something you can do yourself for $10.
It's also nice to realize that those things an auto shop offers to replace can be easily done yourself. Like when they charge $25 + $40 labor to replace a fuel filter, something you can do yourself for $10.
09-07-12 | 09:12 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,841
Likes: 1
From: NZ
Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1
Congratulations!
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
09-07-12 | 09:51 PM
#6
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Congrats! I've built one (so far) and you're right: It's a great feeling. I've got about 1500 miles on it and haven't had to true or tension it yet.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
09-07-12 | 09:54 PM
#7
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
I would suggest loosening several spokes (maybe 8) about a full turn or two, centered around the lowest (closest to the hub) point, then tightening the spokes opposite the loose ones by the two full turns, then repeat as necessary until it's round, then check tension and lateral true.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
09-07-12 | 10:20 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Saving gas on my commute
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma City
09-08-12 | 04:05 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,660
Likes: 177
09-08-12 | 06:38 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 684
Likes: 2
From: Pennsyl-tuckey
Bikes: '86 Cannondale SR400, '86 Pugeot PX10, '92 Bianchi Axis, '95 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, '00 Fondriest X-Status, '08 Specialized Roubaix, '13 Cannondale CAADX
Cool! Ride it and build some more. 'feels great to ride the ones you lace up itself.
09-08-12 | 06:55 PM
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 15,315
Likes: 903
From: Tixkokob, Yucatán, México
Bikes: 79 Trek 930, 80 Trek 414, 84 Schwinn Letour Luxe (coupled), 92 Schwinn Paramount PDG 5
I laced up my 7th one today, and have yet to get it right the first time. I've reached the point where I don't have to completely disassemble it in order to correct the error.
Congrats!
Congrats!
